Luminous Landscapes: Entranced by Light in Bryce Canyon NP

PinExt Luminous Landscapes: Entranced by Light in Bryce Canyon NP

You have to see the light to believe it in Bryce Canyon National Park.

It has a luminous quality to it – unlike anywhere else I have been. Perhaps it was the time of day and where I was standing but over and over again I couldn’t believe my eyes.

I was totally entranced by the light.

Rocks seemed to glow, emitting their own light. See for yourself and let me know what you think.

Bryce Canyon NP 2012 263 Luminous Landscapes: Entranced by Light in Bryce Canyon NP

Unusual light at the bottom of the canyon

Bryce Canyon NP 2012 207 Luminous Landscapes: Entranced by Light in Bryce Canyon NP

Bryce Canyon NP 2012 293 Luminous Landscapes: Entranced by Light in Bryce Canyon NP

Even the underside of a rock glowed

Bryce Canyon NP 2012 331 Luminous Landscapes: Entranced by Light in Bryce Canyon NP

Rocks on fire

Bryce Canyon NP 2012 326 Luminous Landscapes: Entranced by Light in Bryce Canyon NP

Bryce Canyon NP 2012 260 Luminous Landscapes: Entranced by Light in Bryce Canyon NP

Looking up from the bottom of Navajo Canyon

Bryce Canyon NP 2012 205 Luminous Landscapes: Entranced by Light in Bryce Canyon NP

One reader sent this quote after getting the post which I think is very apropos - Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.   Rachael Carson

For more travel inspiration check out the photos of other travel bloggers on Nancie’s Budget Travelers Sandbox website.

Have you been to Bryce Canyon National Park? Were you as entranced by the light as I was?

Other posts from the area you might enjoy:

Leigh McAdam

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36 Responses to Luminous Landscapes: Entranced by Light in Bryce Canyon NP

  1. I have never been to Bryce Canyon (been to Zion), but I am entranced by these photos.
    Traveling Ted recently posted..Stand up paddle surfing is a new style of adventure travelMy Profile

    Traveling Ted January 15, 2013 at 5:57 pm Reply
    • @Ted Trust me you’d me entranced by Bryce too. I hope you get there sometime in the next few years.

      Hike Bike Travel January 15, 2013 at 6:18 pm Reply
  2. I was at Bryce last year, mid afternoon and the lighting wasn’t as cool as what you got in these! Great shots.

    Another place that the light can be absolutely stunning is Antelope Canyon (or any of the similar red and narrow slot canyons nearby).

    Escaping Abroad January 15, 2013 at 7:30 pm Reply
    • @Esacaping Abroad I have seen stunning images of Antelope Canyon and agree – it’s the light in that place that makes it so interesting.

      Hike Bike Travel January 15, 2013 at 7:32 pm Reply
  3. I like how the light enhances the different parts of the rock formations making them even more beautiful. We’re hoping to stop by Bryce next month on our way to a Utah ski resort. Your posts have been so inspiring!
    Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..5 Fun and Free Things to do in Seattle with KidsMy Profile

    Mary {The World Is A Book} January 15, 2013 at 8:14 pm Reply
  4. It is still ‘on the list’ but your posts keep moving it higher up that list. There is something about the light in that part of the country that is simply mesmerizing.
    Jackie Smith recently posted..Travel Tuesday: (Trip) Shopping at Costco, Part 2My Profile

    Jackie Smith January 16, 2013 at 10:22 am Reply
    • @Jackie Bryce Canyon ad that whole area would make a great spring or fall destination when you have at least 3-4 days to explore. You might as well visit the Zion area too.

      Hike Bike Travel January 16, 2013 at 10:34 am Reply
  5. We’re planning a road trip starting in California either this summer or next and this will almost certainly make the itinerary. Thanks!
    Average Traveller recently posted..Autopia of the Future at Hong Kong DisneylandMy Profile

    Average Traveller January 16, 2013 at 7:20 pm Reply
    • @Ryan At least Bryce Canyon is high so it won’t be as hot as some of the neighbouring parks. The park hits an elevation of 9000 feet which helps to keep things cool.

      Hike Bike Travel January 16, 2013 at 7:31 pm Reply
  6. I remember when I published my sunrise at Bryce pictures last year that you said you’d be visiting soon. You certainly caught the breathtaking colors. Isn’t it fun to photograph? And hard to choose afterwards? Your pictures definitely glow!
    Vera Marie Badertscher recently posted..Reader’s Choice: Best of Last Year’s Travel PhotosMy Profile

    Vera Marie Badertscher January 16, 2013 at 7:35 pm Reply
    • @Vera I could easily spend a few days taking photos in Bryce. Sometimes a long hike and stopping to compose a great shot don’t work as well as I’d like them too.

      Hike Bike Travel January 18, 2013 at 8:52 am Reply
  7. I’m glad that your camera did such a good job of capturing the luminous rocks. Until I got a new camera for my birthday, I was always dismayed that my old camera didn’t exactly capture what my eye was seeing. Good job on your photography skills.
    Michele @ Malaysian Meanders recently posted..The Allure of Uluru (Ayers Rock)My Profile

    Michele @ Malaysian Meanders January 16, 2013 at 10:00 pm Reply
  8. It must have been very exciting to see the light over this amazing landscape. I’m wondering what time of day were you taking these fabulous photos.
    jenny@atasteoftravel recently posted..The Roman Ruins of JerashMy Profile

    jenny@atasteoftravel January 16, 2013 at 10:14 pm Reply
    • @Jenny Most of these photos were taken around 11 am – not even the magic hour. I’d love to be there just as the sun comes up.

      Hike Bike Travel January 18, 2013 at 8:56 am Reply
  9. Another amazing place. I love your photos :)
    Muza-chan recently posted..Originally shaped Ema at Fushimi Inari TaishaMy Profile

    Muza-chan January 16, 2013 at 11:03 pm Reply
  10. Gosh, these photos are truly amazing. How wonderful it would have been to actually be there. I would not have wanted to leave.
    budget jan recently posted..Destination Townsville – 30 Experiences to Suit your BudgetMy Profile

    budget jan January 17, 2013 at 3:51 am Reply
    • @Jan Don’t miss teh National Parks in the American southwest should you visit the southwest. They are all a delight to see.

      Hike Bike Travel January 18, 2013 at 8:57 am Reply
  11. My goodness, Leigh, this is absolutely stunning. The colors are so rich, so sharp. You’ve convinced me: I definitely need to add Bryce Canyon to my list!
    InsideJourneys recently posted..The Jamaica Visitors Rarely See, IIMy Profile

    InsideJourneys January 17, 2013 at 10:14 am Reply
    • @Marcia Yes you do really need to go. I’m sure people are getting sick of my Bryce Canyon photos but it’s hard not to share such an amazing place.

      Hike Bike Travel January 18, 2013 at 8:58 am Reply
  12. The light really is pretty cool, but there’s so many shadows. Isn’t that the kind of setting that horror movies thrive in? I know you were in a large group, but that’s how all these movies start out too. Then one by one….
    Glad you made it out alive.
    Steve recently posted..The People You Meet in the Elevators of Hyatt Olive 8My Profile

    Steve January 17, 2013 at 10:23 am Reply
    • @Steve Not only did we make it out alive we felt great at the end of the day; I can’t even begin to describe how wonderful the glass of wine and a good meal were after 8+ hours of hiking.

      Hike Bike Travel January 18, 2013 at 8:59 am Reply
  13. I really loved Bryce Canyon when we visited. The colors are truly amazing and the formations are equally so! As usual,loved your pictures.
    Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..European Lodging – The Choice is YoursMy Profile

    Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista January 17, 2013 at 3:13 pm Reply
    • Thanks Debbie. I’m very glad the weather cooperated when we were there.

      Hike Bike Travel January 18, 2013 at 9:00 am Reply
  14. Leigh, I have not been here, but your photos make me want to go. It’s hard to believe how those rocks glow.
    Nancie recently posted..#TPThursday — January 17th, 2013 — Hello Kitty at Your Service In Chiang MaiMy Profile

    Nancie January 17, 2013 at 3:30 pm Reply
    • @Nancie As a keen photographer you would love the place.

      Hike Bike Travel January 18, 2013 at 9:02 am Reply
  15. Beautiful shots! Bryce Canyon is on my “To Do” and “Bucket List”. Another place that has really neat lighting is the Badlands and Grand Canyon.

    Sere January 17, 2013 at 5:52 pm Reply
    • @Sere I’ve been to the Grand Canyon and totally agree. Looks like I need to plan a trip to the Badlands.

      Hike Bike Travel January 18, 2013 at 9:02 am Reply
  16. GORGEOUS! I love Bryce Canyon – though I was there as a child and didn’t appreciate all it’s beauty.

    Please consider linking up with Friday Daydreamin’ this week – it is stunning!
    Becca@R We There Yet Mom? recently posted..Friday Daydreamin’: I Need a Beach!My Profile

    Becca@R We There Yet Mom? January 18, 2013 at 8:57 am Reply
    • @Becca It’s the sort of place that I still think kids would enjoy visiting though you might need to be an adult to appreciate the change of light on canyon walls and that sort of thing.

      Hike Bike Travel January 18, 2013 at 9:25 am Reply
  17. Until recently I had never heard of Bryce Canyon and now it’s high on my list of places to visit. The photos are stunning and the quote by Rachael Carson is perfect!
    Lisa recently posted..Two Walks in the Cayman IslandsMy Profile

    Lisa January 18, 2013 at 10:38 am Reply
  18. Gorgeous! I was entranced by everything about Bryce. Seems out of this world in its beauty.
    Cathy Sweeney recently posted..A Sweeney First: Zip-Lining in MazatlanMy Profile

    Cathy Sweeney January 18, 2013 at 2:39 pm Reply
    • @Cathy It is out of this world and I’d return in a heartbeat.

      Hike Bike Travel January 18, 2013 at 2:54 pm Reply
  19. Beautiful photos! Bryce Canyon is unreal. I’ve never seen anything like it.
    Laurel recently posted..Tembe Elephant Park: My TOP Travel Adventure of 2012My Profile

    Laurel January 19, 2013 at 3:27 am Reply
  20. It’s a Utah Thing.

    Serone January 19, 2013 at 9:36 am Reply

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